 Futurist architecture 

emerged in the early-20th century in Italy.

 It was motivated by anti-historicism and characterized by long horizontal lines and
streamlined forms suggesting speed, dynamism, movement and urgency.
 Emphasized the use of new materials and industrial methods, as well as
new developments such as elevators and structural steel components.
 Futurist architecture came to be characterized by the notion of movement and flow, with sharp
edges, strange angles, triangles, domes, and so on.
 The Italian Architect Antonio Sant’Elia is considered the father of Futurist Architecture, the one
who envisioned the future of cities on the basis of the native population’s work culture and
habitual traits.

Computer visualization of one of Sant'Elia sketches

The most famous example which was considered to be –

the first Futurist constructive invention

The Lingotto building was avant-garde, influential and impressiveLe Corbusier called
it "one of the most impressive sights in industry", and "a guideline for town planning
He introduced ‘Futuristic Architecture’ as the architecture of
calculation, of bold and risky and of simplicity.
He introduced ‘Futuristic Architecture’ as the architecture of
calculation, of bold and risky and of simplicity.
CHARACTERISTICS

1.Futurist is a calculation architecture, the architecture of iron, glass, cardboard, reinforced concrete, as
well as, wood, brick, and stone substitutes, facilitating the possibility of lightness and flexibility.

 2. The architecture remains an art with regard to expression and synthesis, irrespective of the above-
mentioned practicality and usefulness arid combination.

3. In this form of architecture, decoration value depends on raw material utilization, as well as the
initial arrangement raw, bare or violently colored materials. However, decoration placed on architecture
is unreasonable. Futuristic architecture promotes the use of steel, glass, and cement, free of painting,
ornament, or relief, only rich in the beauty of its shape and lines.

4. The elliptic and oblique lines are characterized by change, and naturally possess a power of motion
that is by far stronger compared to horizontals and perpendiculars, and that the existence of an
integral, dynamic structure without these is not possible.

5. The inspiration for ancient art was drawn from elements of nature. Futurist architecture finds its
inspirations within the mechanical world it creates where architecture has to be the most attractive
expression, the most effective integration, as well as, a complete composition.

 6. This form of architecture no longer practices the arrangement of forms in accordance to prior
established principles. Futurist architecture declines the possibility of historic continuity with regard to
architecture. Futurist architects are faced with the requirement for modern life which means that
traditionally based architecture of has come to an end, paving the way for a new doctrine of a new city
(the rolling machine).

7. Impermanence and transience- structures must have shorter lives than humans to avoid the
growth of linear or formal habits. Every generation building its own city ensures constant renewal that
facilitates the success of futurism in fighting traditional cowardice.
Some Examples:

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world (2722 ft), is a global icon because of its astounding
architecture and design, fabricated with cutting-edge technologies. Opened in early 2010 and described
as the ‘living wonder’ or ‘vertical city’, the tallest free-standing structure comprises of the highest number
of stories, highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck and an elevator with the longest
travel distance in the world.  Also known as the jewel of gulf regions, Burj Khalifa is a fine amalgamation
of art, engineering and culture, including the famous architectural showstopper – a tower comprising
three elements arranged around a central core, inspired by the spider lily.

Absolute World Towers, Canada

Skyscrapers have been symbols of technological bravado throughout the process of urbanization.
Situated in Mississauga, Toronto, Absolute World Towers or the residential twin towers, 518 and 589 feet
tall respectively, are rotated at different levels by different degrees from base to top, giving them a curved
and twisted outline. Because of their curvaceous design, they are also called the Marilyn Monroe towers.
Their oval-shaped floors flaunt apartments with a panoramic view of the city skyline due to the
continuous balconies wrapped around the recessed glass fronts. The towers have received many
accolades and have also been named the best tall buildings in the Americas by Chicago-based Council on
Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat – a nonprofit group of engineers and architects.